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West Antarctic ice sheet and CO2 greenhouse effect: a threat of disaster

Nature volume 271, pages 321–325 (1978)Cite this article

Abstract

If the global consumption of fossil fuels continues to grow at its present rate, atmospheric CO2 content will double in about 50 years. Climatic models suggest that the resultant greenhouse-warming effect will be greatly magnified in high latitudes. The computed temperature rise at lat 80° S could start rapid deglaciation of West Antarctica, leading to a 5 m rise in sea level.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Polar Studies, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, 43210

    J. H. Mercer

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  1. J. H. Mercer
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Mercer, J. West Antarctic ice sheet and CO2 greenhouse effect: a threat of disaster. Nature 271, 321–325 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1038/271321a0

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